The postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a transformative time for mothers. While it is a period filled with joy and bonding, it can also be a challenging time of adjustment—both physically and emotionally. Postpartum mental health is critical not only for the well-being of the mother but also for the baby and the entire family. Unfortunately, postpartum mental health challenges, such as postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, are often under-recognized and under-discussed.
In this blog, I’ll discuss the importance of postpartum mental health, how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, and ways to seek support and treatment.
Why Postpartum Mental Health Matters
Postpartum mental health directly impacts a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), untreated postpartum mental health conditions can affect maternal-infant bonding, lead to developmental delays in children, and increase the risk of long-term emotional and physical health issues for both mother and child (APA, 2018).
These challenges are not signs of weakness but rather a sign that a mother needs support.
Studies show that as many as 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression (Gavin et al., 2005), and even more may experience postpartum anxiety or "baby blues." These challenges are not signs of weakness but rather a sign that a mother needs support.
Recognizing the Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Understanding the difference between normal emotional changes and postpartum mental health conditions is crucial. Many mothers experience "baby blues" in the first two weeks postpartum, characterized by mood swings, tearfulness, and fatigue. However, when these symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate a more serious issue.
Signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD)
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Severe fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby (O’Hara & McCabe, 2013)
Signs of Postpartum Anxiety
- Constant worry or racing thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
- Physical symptoms such as a racing heart or nausea
- Fear of being alone with the baby or of something bad happening (Fairbrother et al., 2016)
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help. These conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible.
How to Get Support and Treatment
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Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Your midwife, obstetrician, or primary care physician can help assess your mental health and recommend treatments. This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
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Connect with Support Groups Postpartum support groups can be a lifeline. Organizations such as Postpartum Support International (PSI) provide resources, hotlines, and local connections to support mothers.
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Lean on Your Village Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Whether it’s a meal train, babysitting, or simply listening to you vent, your community wants to help.
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Practice Self-Care While this can be easier said than done, small acts of self-care—like a short nap, a warm bath with soothing products, or enjoying a cup of herbal tea—can help nourish your well-being.
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Consider Therapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are evidence-based approaches that can effectively treat postpartum depression and anxiety (Stewart & Vigod, 2016).
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Know When to Seek Emergency Help If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek immediate help by calling a trusted provider or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Promoting Mental Wellness Postpartum
While it’s impossible to eliminate every challenge of motherhood, there are ways to proactively support your mental health:
- Nourish your body: Focus on high-protein, nutrient-dense snacks to stabilize blood sugar and energy levels.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and anxiety.
- Move your body: Gentle postpartum exercise, like walking or yoga, can release endorphins and improve mood.
- Rest whenever possible: Sleep deprivation is a major contributor to postpartum mental health challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with nighttime feedings or naps.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Countless mothers have walked this road and found their way back to joy and well-being - myself included! Postpartum mental health conditions are treatable, and reaching out for help is a brave and loving step for both yourself and your baby.
Let’s continue to break the stigma around postpartum mental health by sharing resources and supporting one another. If you’ve experienced postpartum depression or anxiety, what helped you most? Share your story in the comments or reach out if you need support.
Your postpartum journey matters, and so do you. If you’re looking for natural products to support your well-being, check out my shop, Careha + Co.. Let’s take care of you, together.
Download my free info-guide to print and put on your refrigerator. It is important to have this information handy in the immediate postpartum.
Be well,
Carley
References used for this post:
- American Psychological Association (APA). (2018). Mental health care for pregnant and postpartum women.
- Fairbrother, N., Janssen, P., Antony, M. M., Tucker, E., & Young, A. H. (2016). Perinatal anxiety disorder prevalence and incidence. Journal of Affective Disorders, 200, 148-155.
- Gavin, N. I., Gaynes, B. N., Lohr, K. N., Meltzer-Brody, S., Gartlehner, G., & Swinson, T. (2005). Perinatal depression: A systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 106(5), 1071-1083.
- O’Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9, 379-407.
- Stewart, D. E., & Vigod, S. N. (2016). Postpartum depression: Pathophysiology, treatment, and emerging therapeutics. Annual Review of Medicine, 67, 1-15.